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I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning Image
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 33 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 214 Ratings

  • Summary: 'I'm Wide Awake' is the more country/acoustic of Conor Oberst's twin January 2005 releases under the Bright Eyes name. Emmylou Harris provides vocals on three tracks.

Top Track

First Day Of My Life
This is the first day of my life Swear I was born right in the doorway I went out in the rain, suddenly everything changed They're spreading blankets... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 33
  2. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. Bright Eyes may well be on the verge of finally bridging the gap between his precocious talent and the maturity of an ageless songwriter.
  2. Los Angeles Times
    100
    An album with the simmering glow of a masterpiece.
  3. Spin
    91
    An often-great set of songs about loneliness. [Feb 2005, p.85]
  4. Easily the most cohesive and consistent album of his career, and one of the first great albums of 2005.
  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    A remarkable album... like an Americana 'OK Computer.' [22 Jan 2005, p.49]
  6. Lyrically, he's never been better.
  7. Moments, ideas, turns of phrase are jumbled together, good and bad, resulting in the sweet smell of garbage.

See all 33 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 86 out of 111
  2. Negative: 17 out of 111
  1. Jun 17, 2014
    10
    It never got better than this for Bright Eyes.. One of the greatest albums of recent times - and stands with the greats of all time.
    This
    It never got better than this for Bright Eyes.. One of the greatest albums of recent times - and stands with the greats of all time.
    This album seems to perfectly capture a stage in anyone's life at any given time. From the soul-crushing despairs of heartbreak, to the most hopeful of hopes, to the sour distaste for political affairs.
    This is the type of album that touches one day you and sticks to you for the rest of your life.
    Expand
  2. JimB
    Mar 9, 2005
    10
    the new dyan?...my friend he is much bettter than that!
  3. Liz
    Jan 15, 2006
    10
    Personally, I thought this was the best cd i've ever owned and bought. When I first listened to it, Conor's voice had this Personally, I thought this was the best cd i've ever owned and bought. When I first listened to it, Conor's voice had this distinctive sound, and it made me want to hear more. I also love how the music makes you forget everything and it captures you, making you want to go through it again. This is a work of art. Expand
  4. margo
    Jan 24, 2005
    9
    All in all a great album.. I picked it up at one of his concerts and it's absolutely amazing. Each song is beautiful and I would highly All in all a great album.. I picked it up at one of his concerts and it's absolutely amazing. Each song is beautiful and I would highly recommend it. Expand
  5. Johno
    Mar 24, 2005
    9
    Absolutely marvellous. If you ever bump into this guy, buy him a beer and don't mention Dylan. He's one of the greatest songwriters Absolutely marvellous. If you ever bump into this guy, buy him a beer and don't mention Dylan. He's one of the greatest songwriters around. Check out 'Fevers & Mirrors' and 'Lifted' too. Expand
  6. DavidM
    Aug 19, 2005
    7
    In a very strong year for emerging folk tinge talents - Andrew Bird, Sufjan Stevens, Decemberists...I actually think Oberst, while possibly In a very strong year for emerging folk tinge talents - Andrew Bird, Sufjan Stevens, Decemberists...I actually think Oberst, while possibly the most prolific, is the least talented. What sets him apart from the others, however, and has garnered him bigger press, is the more direct/slightly more mainstream core to his sound. Some of the songs here are great (LUA, ANOTHER TRAVELING SONG), others near great and fun (AT THE BOTTOM OF EVERYTHING), but overall this is an inconsistent effort from a promising but still not mature artist. Expand
  7. JimR
    Feb 26, 2005
    0
    God this crap is boring. If you wanna here this kinda music done professionally seek out the latest M. Ward or Bonnie Prince Billy cds.

See all 111 User Reviews